Finding Energy Again: The Power of Creativity and Connection

Lately, in my coaching sessions, a theme keeps coming up: burnout. Many of my clients are telling me they feel emotionally drained, stretched too thin, and struggling to find motivation. And I’ll be honest—I’ve felt it too.

It makes sense. We’re in August now, with four months left in the year. The goals we set back in January are still hanging over us, deadlines are stacking up, and the pressure to “finish strong” can feel overwhelming. It’s at this point in the year that fatigue starts to catch up with us, and if we’re not careful, we push ourselves past the point of recovery.

So how do we reset? How do we find the energy to move into the last stretch of the year with focus and resilience, instead of running on empty?

For me—and for many of my clients—the answer often comes back to two things: creativity and connection.

What stress really does to us

When we’re under constant pressure, our bodies go into what’s called the “fight or flight” mode. Stress hormones like cortisol flood our system, keeping us alert and ready to respond. In short bursts, that’s useful. But when it drags on, we never get the chance to reset. We stay in high-alert mode all the time—mentally restless, emotionally fragile, and physically drained.

That’s what burnout is: it’s not just being tired, it’s our nervous system stuck in overdrive. And to heal, we need to give it experiences that tell the body and brain, “You’re safe. You can rest now.”

Why creativity helps

One of the simplest ways to do that is through creativity. And I don’t mean you have to paint like Picasso or write poetry that belongs in a bookshop. It’s the act of creating—not the outcome—that makes the difference.

When we draw, sing, dance, write, or even cook something new, our brains start working in a different way. Research shows that just 45 minutes of making art can lower stress hormones. Creativity also triggers dopamine—the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemical—which helps counteract the flatness that often comes with burnout.

Personally, I find that when I take out my paints or start sculpting, something shifts inside me. The act of creating with my hands—whether it’s a canvas, clay, or even decorating a space or tackling a DIY project—brings me into the present moment. The stress might still be there, but I’m not carrying it in the same heavy way. Many of my clients have discovered the same with music, gardening, baking, or photography. It’s less about talent and more about giving your brain a break from constant pressure.

Why relationships matter just as much

The other powerful antidote to burnout is connection. Human beings are wired to thrive in community, yet when we’re busy and stressed, our relationships are often the first thing we neglect.

Meaningful connection—whether it’s a deep conversation with a friend, laughing with family, or being part of a group—actually changes our biochemistry. It releases oxytocin, which reduces stress, builds trust, and reminds us that we’re not alone.

Think about the last time you had a proper catch-up with someone who really “gets you”. Chances are, you left that conversation feeling more grounded, more hopeful, maybe even energised. That’s not a coincidence; that’s your nervous system calming down in the presence of safe, supportive people.

And let’s not forget the power of something as simple as a hug. When we share a genuine hug with someone we trust, our brain releases oxytocin—often called the “bonding hormone”—which helps us feel safe and connected. At the same time, cortisol, our main stress hormone, drops, and the parasympathetic nervous system steps in to calm the body, slowing the heart rate and easing tension. Longer hugs, around 20 seconds or more, even boost serotonin and dopamine, the same brain chemicals that lift mood and help protect against depression. It’s a small act, but one that literally rewires our nervous system away from stress and towards balance.

A reset for the months ahead

So as we move into these last four months of the year, my encouragement is this: don’t just grit your teeth and push through. Make space for recovery.

• Pick one creative activity and give yourself permission to play with it for 30 minutes a few times a week.

• Reach out to someone you trust and schedule proper connection time.

• If you can, combine the two—join a class, paint or cook with a friend, or simply walk and talk.

These small shifts tell your brain and body: you’re not just surviving, you’re living. And that’s what will give you the resilience to finish the year strong—not by exhausting yourself, but by fuelling yourself.

Because the truth is, burnout doesn’t just go away by working harder. It eases when we create, connect, and give ourselves the chance to reset. And if we can do that now—in August—we set ourselves up to finish the year not only with energy, but with joy.

---

The Science Behind Everything

What ties all of this together—creativity, meaningful relationships, and even a simple hug—is the way they influence our nervous system and brain chemistry. When we’re under pressure, our stress system (the HPA axis) floods us with cortisol, keeping us in survival mode. Creativity helps to lower cortisol and sparks dopamine, which restores motivation and pleasure. Connection and touch release oxytocin, which soothes the brain’s fear centre and strengthens trust. Longer hugs even increase serotonin, a key mood stabiliser. Together, these natural chemical shifts move us out of stress and back into balance. That’s why these practices aren’t just “nice to haves” — they’re proven ways to reset the brain, protect against burnout, and recharge our energy for the months ahead.

If you’re feeling mentally or emotionally drained, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Sometimes just one conversation can bring clarity, perspective, and relief. If you’d like to explore this, you can book an introductory coaching session with me, Michelle—a safe space to pause, reflect, and find your way forward.

On-Demand Coaching - R750.00

Book Session